So, a few days ago, one of my close relatives (related by blood) admitted to hearing voices. The sucky part is, he’s only a teenager, he really doesn’t need this at his age…or ever. Initially when I was told about this I thought “Well maybe its nothing. There are in fact people in the general public who hear voices and don’t have any issues with it.” But apparently he hears command voices. That’s like one of the worst kinds of voices. He said he can tell they’re not real and is able to ignore them, so that’s good at least.
I find it odd though. I am diagnosed SZA, but I don’t hear voices and yet he does hear voices (he doesn’t have a diagnosis of any kind yet). So we’re both affected by the same gene, but seem to have different symptoms. I know MI can manifest itself very differently in different people, but I guess I always thought it manifested itself the same way within families because it’s the same genetic cause.
Kinda interesting though, people have always said that he and I are so similar and that he always reminded them of me when I was younger. Before, that was flattering, now…a very sobering realization.
Anyway. I’m hoping this is the only symptom he develops and is able to keep on ignoring the voices. It’s stupid, I can’t even offer any real guidance because I lack experience in that particular symptom. I have almost no advice for him other than what I’ve read online and here. So close, yet so far.
I also hope this young man has the strength to keep ignoring the voices. Good for you for just listening and being a friend. Have him keep the stress low and let him know he can talk to you…
I once tried to convince a family member they needed help ASAP and it didn’t turn out so well. It took a long time for that family member to talk to me again.
Sometimes voices don’t mean someone suffers from sz, there other kind of things or illnesses that can cause voices, and since you say he doesn’t believe they are real and can ignore them, it’s more possible to be that way. However, you should go to the doctor.
Thanks guys. I guess he has a few appointments in the coming days. I was actually told not to talk about my experiences, diagnosis, or give any advice until he sees a pdoc a few times. I guess that is to prevent my experiences from coloring his so what he tell’s his pdoc is as clear and accurate as possible.
That is exactly what I’m hoping. I hope it’s something simple like psychotic depression, or even schizophreniform (though I think he has heard voices for longer than 6 months, so this may not be the case)
It’s so devastating when young kids develop disorders…getting depression when I was 10 ended my childhood…and since I had my psychosis since as long as I can remember I never really got to experience normal life…
One of my friends has a 13 year old brother who has had OCD and anorexia since he was 11. It just breaks my heart to hear about that stuff.
My heart goes out to your relative…at least he can have someone like you who understands to support him.
No, I didn’t mean what you say. I have read an article that I can’t find it now that says about other “meanings” of hearing voices. For example you hear voices when you drink many cups of coffee, even if you are healthy! Perhaps it was a fake article I don’t know. Still, it may be what you say.
I think I heard the same kinda thing about caffeine causing voices or other hallucinations. But from what I understand that’s rare and the general population need to consume a LOT of caffeine before that kinda stuff happens.
Either way, he hasn’t really talked about the voices much. Nobody knows how long he’s had them for, or even how often or loud. We also don’t know if he only hears command voices, those were just the only ones he talked about.
I understand. I just hope it isn’t anything severe, there’s also OCD with psychotic features I think, and it justifies the command voices. Anyway, whatever it is, I wish you have the courage to face it.